MTC offers new programs

Marion Technical College students Kenneth Herndon, left, and David Patrick, look over tools in the diesel training section of the new $5.57 building on the MTC campus at 1014 SW 7th Road, Ocala. The men are enrolled in the diesel technician program at MTC and were on hand for a ribbon cutting for the new training facility on Oct. 30. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

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Posted November 4, 2025 | By Andy Fillmore, [email protected]

David Patrick plans to turn his love of tinkering on his sports motorcycle and interest in engine mechanics into a profitable career.

Patrick has charted a career path in the diesel engine and vehicle industry thanks to the Diesel Systems Technician 1 program at Marion Technical College, which is part of the Marion County Public Schools system.

Patrick, 20, of Summerfield, who was home schooled, said after he graduated high school he had limited success finding a job. He said he feels the diesel training program is the right fit for him to launch a career and he also plans to get his commercial driver’s license to more thoroughly know the vehicles. Mechanics may also need to test drive a vehicle that is in for repair, he noted.

DST1 and Aviation Airframe Mechanics are two of the new hands-on training programs coming to MTC and will be housed in a recently completed $5.57 million facility on the campus at 1014 SW 7th Road, Ocala. A ribbon cutting was held Oct. 30 for the new 16,000 square foot facility, which has special equipment, vehicle lifts and more to accommodate the diesel and aviation training programs.

MCPS Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer said she is “super excited” about the facility and programs. All five Marion County School Board members were on hand at the event. Board member Allison Campbell said the funds for the new facility came from the school board’s first appropriations request direct to the state legislature.

MTC Director Gary Smallridge stressed the employment opportunities made possible by MTC training and said that approximately 87% of students go straight into employment after graduation.

Earl Scott, the college’s Program Coordinator for Automotive, CDL, Diesel, Welding and Electrical, joined the event, as did Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and City Councilman James Hilty.

The DST1 program is set to start Jan. 7, 2026. It will offer automotive service excellence certifications in areas including diesel engines, brakes and electrics/electronics. Diesel training program certified graduates may work on tractor-trailers, buses and other equipment with diesel engines. A 44-passenger Thomas bus was on the vehicle lift in the training area during the ribbon cutting.

Jerrod Mesloh is the lead instructor for the diesel program. He said his first class in January is expected to have up to 20 students. Ricky Monroe, MTC’s commercial vehicle driving instructor, will work closely with Mesloh to help interested diesel program students get their CDL.

Typical industry salaries range from around $37,720 to $77,430 annually. In Florida about 1,290 jobs for truck and bus mechanics, yearly, through 2032, are projected, according to U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics figures quoted on the MTC website.

Patrick’s mother, Mary Patrick, said the diesel training program is “fantastic” for her son.

“I’m very happy for him. There is a lot of need for diesel mechanics,” she said.

Kenneth Herndon, owner of KJ 1 Trucking Co., is enrolled in the diesel training program and was on hand for the ribbon cutting. He said the diesel training course will help him “enhance his business and hire additional people.” He said his company services “in-house” over the road trucks, but he plans to enlarge the scope to provide service to outside customers.

The Aviation Airframe Mechanics program, slated to start in January 2026, has been pushed forward to July 2026 because of a delay in FAA approval due to the federal government shutdown. About 25 students are expected for the first class.

“In the state of Florida, aircraft mechanics and service technicians may earn between $44,150 and $128,850 per year,” the MTC website states.

Victor Gober, a 23-year U.S. Air Force veteran whose experience includes working on the SR-71 Blackbird and Air Force One during the Clinton administration, serves as aviation program training instructor.

Gober pointed out aircraft at the facility to be used for training, including a Cessna Citation business jet, Bellonca Super Viking single engine prop plane and a Rotoway 162 helicopter. All of the aircraft flew within the last two years, he said.

The MTC website also lists an Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Program with information “coming soon.”

To learn more, go to mariontc.edu